Player Reaction Around NBA, MLB, NFL To Kings Staying In Sacramento
By Bryan Rose
Jan 23, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings fans holds a sign during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 106-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, after the NBA announced that they voted to reject the Sacramento Kings move to Seattle, current and former Sacramento Kings chimed in on the decision, as well as other professional athletes – some native to Sacramento, others just happy to see the Kings hopefully staying in Sacramento.
First to make any comment was Kings big man, DeMarcus Cousins:
"#Salute Mayor Kevin Johnson …he really fought for the city of Sacramento much respect sir @KJ_MayorJohnson"
Former King fan and still fan favorite Donte Greene chimed in moments later:
"Congrats to the city of Sacramento. Was home 2 my family & I for 4 yrs and I’m glad the fans get to keep their team. #6man#arcothunder"
The Rock, Mitch Richmond, who is also a minority investor in the new ownership group got in a celebratory tweet:
"To all the kings fans its time to Rocklife #future#kings#kevinjohnson#awesome"
Omri Casspi, who spent just two seasons in Sacramento appeared to one of the more excited players to hear the news with three separate tweets:
"#herewestay happy for the people of sac town!Man, I love Sacramento.#herewestay"
Tyreke Evans also added a tweet with his thoughts late last night:
"Glad to hear The Kings are Staying in Sac! They belong here! #HereWeStay#SacNBACity"
Patrick Patterson and Jason Thompson, two of the more active Kings on Twitter, re-tweeted reports of the Kings staying.
Shockingly, there was no reaction from former Sacramento King and Seattle native, Spencer Hawes.
Sacramento native and current New Orleans Hornet Ryan Anderson had this to say:
"I’m so proud to be from Sacramento! Because of the effort and support of the city, the Kings will live to reign another day! It’s not quite my hometown without the Kings around!"
The Miami Heat’s LeBron James had a message for Mayor Johnson, via Chris Tomasson:
"“Just me being in my 10-year career, to have an opportunity to go to Sac. once a year, I think it’s awesome for that city,” said James, who played his first NBA regular-season game in Sacramento in 2003-04. “Those fans deserve to have a team, what they’ve meant to the Kings and what the Kings have meant to that city. A special, a real, real special shout out to Kevin Johnson, a dear friend of mine. And I’m happy that the team, from what I heard, will be at least be there for another year. And then we go from there. So I’m happy for those fans.’’"
Green Bay Packers quarterback and Chico native Aaron Rodgers re-tweeted Kings play-by-play man Grant Napear while Boston Red Sox second baseman and Woodland native Dustin Pedroia said this:
"Just heard the news Sac Town! Kings will not be stopped! Bring it home Please!"
In addition to players, league executives like the 49ers owner Jed York congratulated new potential owners Vivek Ranadive and Chris Kelly and the city of Sacramento:
"Anyone excited in Sacramento today? Congrats @KJ_MayorJohnson for your hard work. Hope to see a game with @Vivek & @thatchriskelly soon"